So you don't care about speed, but only sharpness, which zoom?

Kind of an abnormal request, but I have my 60mm macro Canon on the way, it will be sharp, I have my Sigma 17-50 DC OS HSM and it is 2.8, fairly fast, I I plan on grabbing a Nifty Fifty for even more low light indoors.

I am finding that my 17-50 Sigma is simply too wide rfor most of my shooting, and I am bumping up against the 50mm on the long end. I rarely shoot wider than 24-30mm I am finding by looking at my shot history.

So, I am actually saying i don't care about a wide aperture, since I will have lenses to cover that, and I have several speedlites I can use indoor as well, so I am only concerned with sharpness, and something in the range of 24mm through probably 70-100mm zoom.

So can I get some suggestions for a very sharp 24 to 70, 85, 100 and speed is no concern, I just want quality enough to match my Sigma and 60mm Macro, or close anyway.

I would only want to buy Sigma or Tamron if it is new because of the waranty situation. Not sure about Sigma transfer warranties but I hear Tamron will NOT transer warranty beyond the original owner. Something in the $500 range, anything like that exists?

Maybe the 15-85 that comes with the 7D, is it good and sharp for portraits? I don't want to buy something and then never want to use it because it doesn't compare in IQ to my Sigma or 60 Macro, know what I mean?

Only two that come off the top of my head- although there are probably a few others - if you are looking for cheaper.

The Canon 15-85 and the Canon 24-105L - both should fit the bill- albeit a bit over budget.

If you are looking at kit lenses- the 28-135 and the 18-135 are cheaper alternatives- unless you are pixel peeping- both are decent.. the 15-85 and the 24-105L should be better quality wise- but are going to be over your $500 budget. The problem with quality- is that it usually costs..

You'll have to pay a lot of money to comes close to most Primes IQ.

The 15-85 has good IQ across the zoom but it wouldn't equal your 60mm, but may equal your Sigma. It is a little expensive now, I'm selling one now for $650 (with two expensive filters).

The 24-105 has great IQ. There are Tamron and Sigma version of the 24-70 (or higher) made for full frame cameras. Since you are clear that you don't use the wide end you may consider these. There is also the previous Canon 28-70L.

Hope that helped a little with direction.

Klimra,

That is a good price.... I just bought a used one myself for $600 and it came with a hood ($35 or so) and no filters. It does have a bit of lens creep but I bought a lens band and that has fixed that issue. Good luck selling yours. I really like it: sharp and good colors with a nice range for my only lens at present. I plan on picking up a 70-300L when I have saved up the cash. I'm too old for credit card debt.

Jeff, if you can spare the extra $150, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Yes, I recently picked it up as part of another deal. I haven't used it much. It feels really good, better than the 18-135 that I've been using on my 60D.

I'm debating rather selling the 18-135 and keeping the 15-85, I'd break even so it's not a problem. Tough choice! I do like the 18-135, I don't care that much about the extra reach, the focusing speed is awesome on the 15-85 though!

And yes, I don't buy these and build up debt! Would not suggest it either!